Information processing apparatus issuing job to peripheral device and method for issuing job to peripheral device

ABSTRACT

The invention enables the user to designate a start mode even if the driver software, controlling the peripheral device, does not know the start mode (start timing and condition for the job processing) settable in the peripheral device, at the installation.  
     The driver software requests, to the peripheral device, a list of the attribute values settable for the start mode, then displays the attribute values in the list to the user, and sets the attribute value, designated in the list, as the job attribute.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a technology for issuing a jobto a peripheral device such as a printer, a scanner, a copying machine,a facsimile apparatus or an apparatus capable of performing thefunctions of these devices in composite manner.

[0003] 2. Related Background Art

[0004] In a peripheral device such as a printer, the start of a job andthe secrecy assurance of the output result are conventionally controlledby designating a mode in which, after a job is assigned to theperipheral device, the job processing is started in response to aseparate start command, or a mode in which, after a job is assigned tothe peripheral device, the job processing is started in response to aseparate start command including a password.

[0005] For example, there is already known an apparatus which, afterreceiving a password together with print data transmitted from a hostapparatus, receives a password entered by the user through the operationpanel and starts printing only in case the entered password matches thetransmitted password, thereby achieving printing with ensured security.

[0006] The aforementioned transmission of the job with password is madepossible because a driver software (for controlling the peripheraldevice), installed in the information processing apparatus (hostcomputer) supports a peripheral device capable of processing a job withpassword and recognizes in advance, for the above-mentioned device, thata command for processing a job with password can be designated.

[0007] Consequently, a driver software not having information on theperipheral devices capable of processing the job with password has beenincapable, in transmitting a job to such peripheral device, of providingthe user whether such peripheral device has a secret printing function.

[0008] Also in a peripheral device such as a printer, the kind of thejob assigned thereto can be conventionally designated by designatingsuch mode in a job assignment start command. A job can be assigned witha desired mode in such job assignment start command, because the driversoftware in advance recognizes and displays the modes processable bysuch peripheral device.

[0009] The recognition by the driver software of the modes processableby the peripheral device is usually achieved, at the installation ofsuch driver software in the external apparatus, by the storage thereinof the modes processable by the peripheral device.

[0010] However, in recent years, the peripheral device is improvedrapidly and has various additional functions. When the peripheral devicesuch additional functions is connected to a network, the user isrequired to store the functions (modes) processable by such peripheraldevice in an external apparatus on the network. Such operation ishowever cumbersome and an additional memory is required in the externalapparatus, thereby resulting in an increased cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In consideration of the foregoing, an object of the presentinvention is, even in case the driver software installed in aninformation processing apparatus does not recognize in advance the startmodes (various patterns for starting the job processing beingcollectively called start modes) owned by a peripheral device to whichthe job is to be assigned, to cause the user of the informationprocessing apparatus to recognize, from such peripheral device, thestart modes available therein and to enable the user to select a desiredstart mode among such available start modes.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to enable theinformation processing apparatus to designate, by a control command, thestart mode selected by the user, such as a mode for starting the jobprocessing after a start command (start command awaiting mode) or a modefor starting the job processing after a password entry (start commandwith password awaiting mode), to the peripheral device, therebyarbitrarily controlling the start timing or the start condition for joboutput according to the need of the user.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is, even in casethe driver software installed in the information processing apparatusdoes not recognize in advance the job assignment modes (various types ofthe assigned job being collectively called job assignment modes) ownedby the peripheral device to which the job is to be assigned, to causethe user of the information processing apparatus to recognize, from suchperipheral device, the job assignment modes available therein and toenable the user to select a desired job assignment mode among suchavailable job assignment modes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a peripheraldevice;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration ofhardware resources for a controller;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configurationof a network system in which the peripheral device is adaptable;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of aninformation processing apparatus;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of the configuration of a jobprocessed by the peripheral device;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of “a list of attributessupported by job” which is a list of attributes of the job held by theperipheral device;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of “a list of attributesdesignatable for the job processing start mode” held by the peripheraldevice;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a first dataprocessing sequence in the information processing apparatus;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an image for setting the“job processing start mode” attribute, displayed on a CRT;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an image for setting astart password for the job processing, displayed on a CRT;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a second dataprocessing sequence in the information processing apparatus;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a third dataprocessing sequence in the information processing apparatus;

[0026]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a first dataprocessing sequence in the peripheral device;

[0027]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a second dataprocessing sequence in the peripheral device;

[0028]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of a third dataprocessing sequence in the peripheral device;

[0029]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of a fourth dataprocessing sequence in the peripheral device;

[0030]FIG. 17 is a view showing a memory map of a memory medium storingvarious data processing programs readable by a print system in which aprint control apparatus is adaptable;

[0031]FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of “a list of attributesdesignatable as the job processing start mode” held by the peripheraldevice;

[0032]FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of an image for setting “jobprocessing start mode” displayed on a CRT and an image for selecting theperipheral device;

[0033]FIG. 20 is a view showing a group of commands for designating jobprocessing;

[0034]FIGS. 21 and 22 are views showing a user interface for setting“mode of job assignment start command” on a peripheral device controlsoftware;

[0035]FIG. 23 is a view showing an example of “modes(normal/interruption) designatable as job assignment start command”attribute held by the peripheral device;

[0036]FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of “modes (job storage)designatable as job assignment start command” attribute held by theperipheral device;

[0037]FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of “modes (executionguarantee) designatable as job assignment start command” attribute heldby the peripheral device;

[0038]FIG. 26 is a view showing an example of “modes (mixed)designatable as job assignment start command” attribute held by theperipheral device;

[0039]FIG. 27 is a view showing “list of designatable file storagelocations” attribute held by the peripheral device;

[0040]FIG. 28 is a view showing “list of designatable default filestorage locations” attribute held by the peripheral device;

[0041]FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a process of job assignment to aperipheral device in a peripheral device control software;

[0042]FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a process of job reception in theperipheral device;

[0043]FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing a process for a job assignmentstart command;

[0044]FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing a process for a job assignmentcompletion command;

[0045]FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing an execution guarantee job processin the peripheral device;

[0046]FIG. 34 is a view showing a list of attributes of a job held bythe peripheral device;

[0047]FIG. 35 is a view showing “list of attributes designatable as ajob deletion mode”, held by the peripheral device;

[0048]FIG. 36 is a view showing a setting image for “job deletion mode”attribute;

[0049]FIG. 37 is a view showing a setting image displayed in case anabsolute time is designated in the setting image for the “job deletionmode” attribute;

[0050]FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing a process for designating a jobdeletion time;

[0051]FIGS. 39 and 40 are flow charts showing a process for the jobdeletion mode; and

[0052]FIG. 41 is a view showing a setting image displayed in case arelative time is designated in the setting image for the “job deletionmode” attribute.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a peripheraldevice constituting an embodiment of the present invention, theperipheral device having a compound image processing function capable ofprocessing a job by an image input function, a print function and afacsimile transmission/reception function.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, a controller 1 for controlling peripheraldevices is provided with hardware resources as shown in FIG. 2 and aswill be explained later. A communication interface 2 for enablingcommunication of the controller 1 with the exterior of the peripheraldevice is composed for example of an ethernet interface, a IEEE1284interface or another communication interface.

[0055] A scanner engine 3 is controlled by the controller 1. A printerengine 4 is controlled by the controller 1. The printer engine 4 iscomposed for example of a laser beam printer, an ink jet printer oranother printer engine.

[0056] A facsimile board 5 for realizing facsimile function, such ascommunication control at the image transmission/reception, is controlledby the controller 1. A user interface 6 composed of an LCD display and akeyboard displays information from the controller 1 and transmits theinstruction from the user to the controller 1.

[0057] In the peripheral device of the above-described configuration, aprint job is processed by the controller 1 by selecting and controllingthe printer engine 4. Also a copy job is processed by the controller 1by selecting and controlling the printer engine 4 and the scanner engine3. Also a facsimile reception job and a facsimile transmission job areprocessed by the controller 1 by selecting and controlling the printerengine 4, the scanner engine 3 and the facsimile board 5.

[0058]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration ofthe hardware resources in the controller 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 1 is provided with a CPU 21, aRAM 22, an LCD 23, a keyboard 24, a ROM 25, a communication interface26, a scanner engine 27, a printer engine 28, a facsimile board 29, anda DISK 30, which are mutually connected through a system bus 20. Aprogram controlling the controller 1 shown in FIG. 1 is stored in theROM 25 or the DISK 30, and is loaded in the RAM 22 when required and isexecuted by the CPU 21.

[0060] The ROM 25 and the DISK 30 also store, in addition to the controlprogram attribute information indicating function and status of theperipheral device and of the job to be processed therein, and job datato be outputted.

[0061] The CPU 21 executes information display through the LCD 23 andreceives user instructions through the keyboard 24. The CPU 21 alsoexecutes communication with the exterior through the communicationinterface 26.

[0062] In the peripheral device of the present embodiment shown in FIG.1, unless otherwise stated, the CPU 21 receives a user input through thekeyboard 24 and the system bus 20 and executes processing by controllingthe RAM 22, the LCD 23, the ROM 25, the communication interface 26, thescanner engine 27, the printer engine 28, the facsimile board 29 and theDISK 30.

[0063]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configurationof a network system in which the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1 isapplicable.

[0064] In FIG. 3, an MFP (multi function peripheral) 31, an MFP 36 andan MFP 37 are peripheral devices shown in FIG. 1. Each of a PC (personalcomputer) 32, a PC 33 and a PC 34 is provided with the hardwareresources as shown in FIG. 4, and they are connected with the MFP 31through a network 35. A work station or another peripheral device oranother device may also be connected with the MFP 31 through the network35.

[0065] A driver software, executed by the PC 32, 33 or 34, can requestprocessing of a job such as printing, scanning, copying or facsimiletransmission/reception to the MFP 31 through the network 35, or inquirethe attribute information of the MFP 31.

[0066]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of aninformation processing apparatus constituting an embodiment of thepresent invention, corresponding to an example of the configuration ofthe hardware resources in the PC's 32 to 34.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the PC's 32 to 34 is provided with aCPU 41, a RAM 42, a CRT 43, a keyboard 44, a pointing device 45, a ROM46, a DISK 47 and a communication interface 48, which are mutuallyconnected through a system bus 49.

[0068] Programs controlling the PC's 32 to 34 are stored in the ROM 46or the DISK 47, and are loaded in the RAM 42 when required and areexecuted by the CPU 41. The CPU 41 executes information display throughthe CRT 43 and receives user instructions through the keyboard 44 andthe pointing device 45. The CPU 41 also executes communication with theexterior through the communication interface 48.

[0069] In the PC of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4, unlessotherwise stated, the CPU 41 receives a user input from the keyboard 44and the pointing device 45 through the system bus 49 and executesprocessing by controlling the RAM 42, the CRT 43, the ROM 46, the DISK47 and the communication interface 48.

[0070] The user instruction to the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1 orthe information display to the user may be realized through a local userinterface 6 shown in FIG. 1, or through a client device connected by thenetwork 35, such as the PC 32, 33 or 34 shown in FIG. 3.

[0071]FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of the configuration of a jobto be processed by the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the job processed by the peripheraldevice shown in FIG. 1 is composed of an attribute list 51 representingthe function and state of the job, and job data 52 indicating the datato be processed in the job.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, job data 52 indicate data to be processed,such as image data. The job data 52 may be absent in certain types ofthe job.

[0074] The attribute list 51 is composed of an attribute name 53 and anattribute value 54. Attribute values 54-1 to 54-7 are respectively setfor an attribute job identifier 53-1, a job name 53-2, a job type 53-3,a password 53-4, a sheet selection 53-5, a duplex printing 53-6 and astart mode 53-7. Thus the attribute list 51 indicates the function andstate of the job assigned by the driver software. In the presentembodiment, the attribute name 53 constituting a column of the attributelist 51 may be replaced by designated attribute identifiers. Theattributes listed in the attribute list 51 are same as those in an“attribute list supported by job” as shown in FIG. 6.

[0075] An attribute name 53-1 indicates an identifier of the assignedjob, and its attribute value 54-1 indicates that the “job identifier” is“1234”. Also an attribute name 53-2 indicates the name of the assignedjob, and its attribute value 54-2 indicates that the “job name” is “testprint”.

[0076] An attribute name 53-3 indicates the type of the assigned jobsuch as a print job or a copy job, and its attribute value 54-3indicates that the “job type” is “print job”.

[0077] Also an attribute name 53-4 indicates a job password requested atthe start of the job processing, and its attribute value 54-4 indicatesthat the “job password” is “ABCD1234”.

[0078] Also an attribute name 53-5 indicates the selection of sheet tobe used in the assigned job, and its attribute value 54-5 indicates thatthe “sheet selection” is “A4”.

[0079] Also an attribute name 53-6 indicates whether the printing in theassigned job is on the front surface only, on both surfaces or on therear surface only, and its attribute value 54-6 indicates that the“print surface” is “front surface”.

[0080] Also an attribute name 53-7 indicates a start mode representingthe timing or condition of starting the processing of the job in theperipheral device.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the meanings of the aforementionedattributes, attribute names or attribute identifiers and attributevalues are already known in the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1 and inthe driver software.

[0082]FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of an “attribute listsupported by the job”, which is a list or the attributes of the job heldby the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1. The list is stored in the ROM25 or the DISK 30 shown in FIG. 2. However, the attributes contained inthe “attribute list supported by the job” may be other than those shownin FIG. 6. The “attribute list supported by the job” shown in FIG. 6show all the attributes held by the job processed by the peripheraldevice.

[0083] In the “attribute list supported by the job” of the presentembodiment, the row is composed of an attribute name 61, whether settingis possible 62, whether change is possible 63, and whether acquiring ispossible 64, while the column is composed of the attribute names 65-1 to65-7. TRUE and FALSE respectively indicate possible and not possible.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6, the “attribute list supported by the job”indicates, for each of the attribute names 65-1 to 65-7, whether thedriver software can set the attribute value at the job assignment(whether setting is possible 62), whether the driver software can changethe attribute value for the already assigned job (whether change ispossible 63), and whether the driver software can acquire the attributevalue for the assigned job (whether acquiring is possible 64), and TRUEand FALSE respectively indicate each is possible or not possible.

[0085] More specifically, an attribute name 65-1 indicates the supportstate of a “job ID” attribute, which cannot be set nor changed but canbe acquired according to the contents 62, 63, 64.

[0086] An attribute name 65-2 indicates the support state of a “jobname” attribute, which can be set, cannot be changed and can be acquiredaccording to the contents 62, 63, 64.

[0087] An attribute name 65-3 indicates the support state of a “jobtype” attribute, which can be set, cannot be changed and can be acquiredaccording to the contents 62, 63, 64.

[0088] An attribute name 65-4 indicates the support state of a “jobpassword” attribute, which can be set, cannot be changed and cannot beacquired according to the contents 62, 63, 64.

[0089] An attribute name 65-5 indicates the support state of a “sheetselection” attribute, which can be set, cannot be changed and can beacquired according to the contents 62, 63, 64.

[0090] An attribute name 65-6 indicates the support state of a “duplexprint” attribute, which can be set, changed and acquired according tothe contents 62, 63, 64.

[0091] An attribute name 65-7 indicates the support state of a “startmode” attribute, which can be set, cannot be changed and can be acquiredaccording to the contents 62, 63, 64.

[0092]FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a first dataprocessing sequence in the information processing apparatus of thepresent invention, and indicating a process flow of the driver softwareinquiring the attribute information to the peripheral device shown inFIG. 1.

[0093] At a step 81 requests the acquisition of the “attribute listsupported by the job” to the peripheral device and acquires suchattribute list. Then a step 82 discriminates whether an attribute Arequired by the driver software is contained in the “attribute listsupported by the job” acquired in the step 81, and, if such attribute Aindicating a function is contained, the sequence proceeds to a step 83,but, if otherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 85.

[0094] Then a step 83 discriminates, with respect to the attribute Acontained in the acquired “attribute list supported by the job”, whetherthe driver software can set the attribute A at the job assignment, and,if setting is possible, the sequence proceeds to a step 84, but, ifotherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 85.

[0095] Then a step 84 acquires a list of attribute values settable asthe attribute A, from the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1. A step 85discriminates whether the attribute A can be acquired by the driversoftware, and, if acquisition is possible, the sequence proceeds to astep 86, but, if otherwise, the sequence is terminated.

[0096] A step 86 requests the acquisition of the value of the attributeA to the peripheral device and acquires such value of the attribute A,whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0097] Through the above-described process, the driver software canacquire information on the attributes held by the job to be processed bythe peripheral device shown in FIG. 1 and information on the attributevalues settable for each attribute. There can also be known theattribute value set for each attribute.

[0098] The process shown in FIG. 8 is executed when the user activatesthe driver software, wishing to execute printing. Based on the list ofthe attributes acquired in the step 82 and the list of the attributevalues acquired in the step 84, the driver software constructs a settingimage for enabling the user to set the attribute value for eachattribute. Then, based on the attribute values set on the setting image,the driver software generates the attribute list 51 (FIG. 5). Also thejob data 52 (FIG. 5) are prepared from the data outputted from anapplication program (for example a text processing program, a tablecalculation program or an image data generation program).

[0099]FIG. 20 shows an example of a group of commands for designatingjob processing in issuing a job. In FIG. 20, the job configuration shownin FIG. 5 is represented by a command group. Such command group isgenerated by a process flow shown in FIG. 12 and is transmitted from ajob issuing software (driver software) to the controller in theperipheral device.

[0100] The command group for designating the job process is composed ofa job start command 2001, a job attribute setting command 2002, a jobdata sending command 2003 and a job end command (job end informingcommand) 2004. The job attribute setting command 2002 is used fordesignating the setting of an attribute value in the attribute list 51in FIG. 5, and the job data sending command 2003 is used fortransmitting the job data shown in FIG. 5.

[0101] The job start command 2001 is used for informing the controllerof the start of job assignment, and contains a mode 2005 and additionalinformation 2006 corresponding to the mode, as parameters. In responseto the reception of the job start command 2001, the controller startspreparation for receiving and processing the job.

[0102] The job attribute setting command 2002 is used for setting theattributes representing the function and state of the job. Theattributes include, for example, the job name, job type, data format,sheet selection etc., and this command allows to set plural attributesin succession.

[0103] The job data sending command 2003 is used for transmitting datato be subjected to job processing, such as image data. However, certainjobs do not require data to be processed, and this command may bedispensed with for such jobs.

[0104] The job end command (job end informing command) 2004 indicatesthat all the command group for designating the job process has beentransmitted. A group of commands from the job start command 2001 to thejob end command 2004 is interpreted as instructions relating to a jobprocess.

[0105]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a second dataprocessing sequence in the information processing apparatus of thepresent invention, and corresponding to a process sequence in case thedriver software, installed in the memory medium of the PC's 32 to 34shown in FIG. 3, assigns a job to the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1,wherein 121 to 126 indicate process steps.

[0106] At first the driver software repeats steps 121 to 124 until thesetting of the attributes required for the job process is completed.

[0107] In a step 122, the driver software sets, according to the jobprocess, a parameter of the attribute setting command, in order to setthe attributes of the job in the attribute list 51 shown in FIG. 5.

[0108] Among the job attributes, those that can be set by the driversoftware are listed in the “attribute list supported by the job”obtained by the process of the FIG. 8 and shown in FIG. 6, and areindicated therein by TRUE in the setting column 62.

[0109] Also the values settable for such attribute are shown in the“list of settable values” (FIG. 7) obtained by the process shown in FIG.8.

[0110] Then a step 123 transmits the attribute setting command, preparedin the step 122, to the peripheral device to which the job is to beassigned.

[0111] The steps 122, 123 are executed for each attribute.

[0112] Then a step 125 transmits, by the job data sending command, thedata subjected to the job process such as the image data prepared by anapplication to the peripheral device. Then a step 126 transmits the jobend informing command indicating the end of transmission of the jobassigning commands, thereby terminating the process.

[0113] The above-described job assignment process generates a job asshown in FIG. 5 in the peripheral device.

[0114]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a first dataprocessing sequence in the peripheral device of the present invention,and corresponding to a process sequence to be executed by the peripheraldevice shown in FIG. 1 in response to the reception of a job assignmentcommand from the driver software installed in the memory medium of thePC's 32 to 34 shown in FIG. 3, wherein 131 to 140 indicate processsteps.

[0115] At first in a step 131, the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1analyzes the command received from the driver software and theparameters thereof and stores the results.

[0116] Then a step 132 discriminates, based on the result of analysis ofthe step 131, whether the received command is an attribute settingcommand, and, if so, the sequence proceeds to a step 133, but, ifotherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 136.

[0117] Then a step 133 checks the “attribute list supported by the job”shown in FIG. 6 and the result of analysis of the step 131 anddiscriminates whether the attribute designated by the received attributesetting command is settable, and, if settable, the sequence proceeds toa step 134, but, if otherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 135.

[0118] Then a step 134 sets the designated value in the designatedattribute according to the result of analysis obtained in the step 131,whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0119] On the other hand, if the step 133 identifies that the designatedattribute is not settable, a step 135 informs the driver software thatthe attribute designated by the received attribute setting command isnot settable and that the attribute setting has not been possible,whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0120] On the other hand, in case the step 132 identifies that thereceived command is not an attribute setting command, a step 136discriminates whether the received command is a job data sending commandbased on the result of analysis obtained in the step 131, and, in caseof a job data sending command, the sequence proceeds to a step 137, but,if otherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 138.

[0121] Then a step 137 stores the job data, received in succession tothe command, in the RAM 22 or the DISK 30 shown in FIG. 2, whereupon thesequence is terminated.

[0122] On the other hand, if the step 136 identifies that the receivedcommand is not a job data sending command, a step 138 discriminates,based on the result of analysis obtained in the step 131, whether thereceived command is a job end informing command, and, if so, thesequence proceeds to a step 140, but, if otherwise, the sequenceproceeds to a step 139.

[0123] Then a step 140 executes preparation for starting the jobprocess, and the sequence then proceeds to processes shown in FIGS. 15and 39 for discriminating the start condition of the job process.

[0124] On the other hand, if the step 138 identifies that the receivedcommand is not a job end informing command, a step 139 identifies thatthe received command is another command and executes a processcorresponding to such another command, whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0125]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a second dataprocessing sequence in the peripheral device of the present invention,and corresponding to a process sequence to be executed by the peripheraldevice shown in FIG. 1 in response to the reception of an access commandto the attributes of the job from the driver software installed in thememory medium of the PC's 32 to 34 shown in FIG. 3, wherein 141 to 151indicate process steps.

[0126] At first a step 141 analyzes the received command and theparameters thereof. Then a step 142 discriminates, based on the resultof analysis of the step 141, whether the received command is anattribute acquiring command, and, if so, the sequence proceeds to a step143, but, if otherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 148.

[0127] Then a step 143 discriminates whether the attribute designated bythe attribute acquiring command is acquirable, and, if acquirable, thesequence proceeds to a step 144, but, if otherwise, the sequenceproceeds to a step 147.

[0128] Then a step 144 acquires the value of such attribute held in theperipheral device, and a step 145 sets the acquired attribute value as aparameter of a response command and transmits a response command, to theattribute acquiring command, to the river software whereupon thesequence is terminated.

[0129] On the other hand, if the step 143 identifies that the attributeis not acquirable, a step 147 executes a process of informing the driversoftware that the acquisition of the attribute has failed (an errorresponse command transmission process), whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0130] On the other hand, if the step 142 identifies that the receivedcommand is not an attribute acquiring command, a step 148 discriminates,based on the result of analysis in the step 141, whether the receivedcommand is an attribute value changing command (attribute changingcommand), and, if so, the sequence proceeds to a step 149, but, ifotherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 146.

[0131] Then a step 149 discriminates whether the attribute designated bythe attribute value changing command is changeable, and, if changeable,the sequence proceeds to a step 150, but, if otherwise, the sequenceproceeds to a step 152.

[0132] A step 150 changes the attribute value of the designatedattribute to a designated attribute value according to the designatedcommand parameter, and a step 151 executes a process of informing thedriver software that the attribute value has been successfully changed,whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0133] On the other hand, if the step 149 identifies that the attributevalue is not changeable, a step 152 executes a process of informing thedriver software that the change of the attribute value has failed (anerror response command transmission process), whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0134] On the other hand, if the step 148 identifies that the receivedcommand is not an attribute changing command, a step 146 identifies thatthe received command is another command and executes a processcorresponding to such another command, whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0135] <Start Mode>

[0136]FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a “list of attribute valuesdesignatable for the start mode of job process” held by the peripheraldevice shown in FIG. 1, and stored in the ROM 25 or the DISK 30 shown inFIG. 2.

[0137] The “list of attribute values designatable for the start mode ofjob process” shown in FIG. 7 lists the attribute values which can bedesignated by the driver software as the value of a “job process startmode” attribute held by the job to be processed by the peripheraldevice.

[0138] However, the attribute values listed in the “list of attributevalues designatable for the start mode of job process” can be other thanthose listed in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 lists five attribute values, namely“designated by absolute time”, “designate by relative time”, “wait startcommand with password”, “wait start command” and “start immediately”,but the attribute values to be listed vary according to the type of theperipheral device or the optional device thereof. For example, theattribute value can be “start immediately” only for a peripheral deviceA and can be “wait start command with password”, “wait start command”and “start immediately” for another peripheral device B.

[0139] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the “job processstart mode” attributes are listed in the “list of attributes supportedby the job” shown in FIG. 6 and held by the peripheral device shown inFIG. 1, and that other attributes required according to the set valuesof the “job process start mode” attributes are also listed in the “listof attributes supported by the job” shown in FIG. 6. For example, a“password” attribute is required in response to the setting of “waitstart command with password” in the “job process start mode” attribute.

[0140] Also the “job process start mode” attribute indicates the settingof the start condition for the job process assigned by the driversoftware to the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1, and the start of theassigned job process can be controlled by setting such “job processstart mode” attribute.

[0141] In FIG. 7, an attribute value “designated by absolute time” 301indicates that the start time is designated by an absolute time and thatthe job process is started when the start time is reached. The attributevalue also includes the start time to be designated.

[0142] Also an attribute value “designate by relative time” 302indicates that the start time is designated by a relative time and thatthe job process is started when the start time is reached. The attributevalue also includes the start time to be designated.

[0143] An attribute value “wait start command with password” 303indicates that a start command and a password input are required andthat the job process is started only in case the start command is givenwith the proper password. In such start command, the password to beverified is designated by the “job password” attribute. The startcommand and the password are to be entered by a command from the PC 32(or 33 or 34) or from the keyboard 24.

[0144] An attribute value “wait start command” 304 indicates that thejob process is started when the start command is given by the user. Thestart command is to be entered from the PC 32 (or 33 or 34) or from thekeyboard 24.

[0145] An attribute value “start immediately” 305 indicates that the jobprocess is started immediately with the job assignment. Thus theperipheral devices starts the job process without awaiting the input ofthe start command or the lapse of the predetermined time.

[0146]FIG. 9 shows a setting image for the “job process start mode”attribute, displayed on the CRT 43 shown in FIG. 4.

[0147] The image shown in FIG. 9 is used for setting the “job processstart mode” by the user in assigning the job to the peripheral device,and is displayed on the CRT of the PC 32 (or 33 or 34) shown in FIG. 3.

[0148] It is assumed, in the PC 32 (or 33 or 34) shown in FIG. 3, thatthe driver software, prior to the generation of the setting image shownin FIG. 9, acquires a list of the values settable as the “job processstart mode” attribute by the attribute information acquiring flow shownin FIG. 8.

[0149] More specifically, a step 82 discriminates whether the “jobprocess start mode” attribute is included in the attribute list, and, ifincluded, a step 83 discriminates whether the “job process start mode”attribute is settable. If settable, a step 84 acquires a list of theattribute values settable in the “job process start mode” from theperipheral device.

[0150] In FIG. 9, a title 110 of the setting image briefly explains suchimage and indicates that such setting image is to be used fordesignating the value of the “job process start mode” attribute.

[0151] A list box 101 displays a list of the attribute values obtainedby the attribute information acquiring flow shown in FIG. 8 and settablein the “job process start mode” attribute. The attribute values listedin the list box 101 correspond one to one to the list of values settablein the “job process start mode” attribute shown in FIG. 3.

[0152] The user selects a desired set value from the list box 101,utilizing the keyboard 44 or the pointing device 45 in the PC 32, 33 or34.

[0153] A reversal display 102 indicates the currently selected value ofthe “job process start mode” attribute. In the example shown in FIG. 9,there is selected “wait start command with password”. An OK button 103is used for determining the attribute value of the attribute of theassigned job as the value indicated by the reversal display 102. Whenthe OK button 103 is depressed, the selected attribute value is storedin the attribute value 54-7 (FIG. 5).

[0154]FIG. 10 shows a setting image for a job process start passworddisplayed on the CRT 43 shown in FIG. 4. This image is used by the userfor setting the password in case the user sets “wait start command withpassword” in the setting image for the “job process start mode”attribute shown in FIG. 9, and is displayed on the CRT of the PC 32 (or33 or 34) shown in FIG. 3. This password corresponds to the passwordentered in the user interface 6 of the peripheral device in associationwith the job process start command.

[0155] It is assumed that the user interface 6, prior to the generationof the image shown in FIG. 10, acquires the maximum value of the lengthof the password usable in the “wait start command with password”, by theattribute information acquiring flow shown in FIG. 8.

[0156] In FIG. 10, a title 210 of the setting image briefly explainssuch image and indicates that such setting image is to be used forsetting the password to be entered in association with the job processstart command. In an edit box 211, there is set a password to be enteredin the user interface 6 of the peripheral device. An OK button 212 isused for determining the password to be referred to in the process startcommand for the job to be assigned at the value entered into the editbox 211. The driver software compares the length of the determinedpassword with the “maximum length of the password usable in the “waitstart command with password” mode”, and, if the maximum value isexceeded, displays a warning and requests the input of the passwordagain.

[0157]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a third dataprocessing sequence in the information processing apparatus of thepresent invention, and corresponding to a process sequence for settingthe “job process start mode” attribute in the job assignment to theperipheral device shown in FIG. 1 by the driver software installed inthe memory medium of the PC's 32 to 34 shown in FIG. 3, wherein 111 to117 indicate process steps.

[0158] At first a step 111 discriminates whether the “wait startcommand” is selected and determined in the “job process start mode”attribute setting image shown in FIG. 9, and, if selected anddetermined, the sequence proceeds to a step 112, but, if otherwise, thesequence proceeds to a step 113. If the “wait start command” mode cannotbe set, namely if the attribute list shown in FIG. 7 does not includethe “wait start command” mode, the sequence directly proceeds to a step113.

[0159] Then a step 112 sets the “wait start command” in the “job processstart mode” of the job to be assigned, whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0160] On the other hand, if the step 111 identifies that the “waitstart command” is not selected, a step 113 discriminates whether the“wait start command with password” is selected and determined in thesetting image for the “job process start mode” shown in FIG. 9, and, ifselected and determined, the sequence proceeds to a step 114, but, ifotherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 117. If the “wait startcommand with password” mode cannot be set, namely if the attribute listshown in FIG. 7 does not include the “wait start command with password”mode, the sequence directly proceeds to a step 113.

[0161] Then a step 114 displays the setting image for the “job processstart password” shown in FIG. 10 and causes the setting therein of thepassword entered in association with the start command by the userinterface 6 of the peripheral device after the job assignment. Then astep 115 compares the length of the password set in the step 114 withthe “maximum length of the password usable in the “wait start commandwith password” mode” acquired in advance, and discriminates whether thelength of the password entered in the step 114 exceeds the designatablemaximum value. If the maximum value is not exceeded, the sequenceproceeds to a step 116, but, if otherwise, the sequence proceeds to astep 114.

[0162] Then a step 116 sets the “wait command with password” as the “jobprocess start mode”, and also sets the password entered in the step 114as the password associated with the “wait command with password”.

[0163] On the other hand, if the step 113 does not select the “waitstart command with password”, another mode is selected and determined asthe “job process start mode” so that a step 117 sets such another modeas the “job process start mode” and executes a process required for suchmode, whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0164] More specifically, the step 117 discriminates whether the “startimmediately” is selected and determined in the setting image shown inFIG. 9, and, if selected and determined, sets the “wait start command”for the “job process start mode” for the job to be assigned. It alsodiscriminates whether the “designate by absolute time” is selected anddetermined, and, if selected and determined, it displays a setting imagefor designating the absolute time and sets the “designate by absolutetime” for the “job process start mode”. It also discriminates whetherthe “designate by relative time” is selected and determined, and, ifselected and determined, it displays a setting image for designating therelative time and sets the “designate by relative time” for the “jobprocess start mode”.

[0165]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of a third dataprocessing sequence in the peripheral device of the present invention,and corresponding to a process sequence for processing the job assignedby the driver software installed in the memory medium of the PC's 32 to34 shown in FIG. 3, wherein 161 to 167 indicate process steps which areto be executed in continuation to the step 140 shown in FIG. 13.

[0166] At first a step 161 discriminates whether the value of the “jobprocess start mode” attribute is “start immediately”, and, if so, thesequence proceeds to a step 162, but, if otherwise, the sequenceproceeds to a step 163.

[0167] Then a step 162 starts the job process immediately and terminatesthe process. If a job under current processing is already present, theassigned job is connected to the end of the queue of the jobs waitingfor processing. The assigned job is started immediately when theassigned job comes to the turn.

[0168] On the other hand, if the step 161 identifies that the value isnot “start immediately”, a step 163 discriminates whether the value ofthe “job process start mode” attribute is “wait start command” and, ifso, the sequence proceeds to a step 164, but, if otherwise, the sequenceproceeds to a step 165.

[0169] Then a step 164 holds the job and waits until a start command bythe user, and starts the job process in response to the start commandwhereupon the process is terminated.

[0170] On the other hand, if the step 163 identifies that the value isnot “wait start command”, a step 165 discriminates whether the value ofthe “job process start mode” attribute is “wait start command withpassword” and, if so, the sequence proceeds to a step 166, but, ifotherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step 167.

[0171] Then a step 166 executes the process of the “wait command withpassword” mode to be explained later in FIG. 16, whereupon the processis terminated.

[0172] On the other hand, if the step 165 identifies that the value isnot “wait start command with password”, a step 167 executes a processcorresponding to the value of another “job process start mode”,whereupon the process is terminated.

[0173]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of a fourth dataprocessing sequence in the peripheral device of the present invention,and corresponding to the details of the processing in the “wait startcommand with password” mode in the step 166 shown in FIG. 15, wherein171 to 174 indicate process steps.

[0174] At first a step 171 holds the assigned job and waits until astart command with password from the user interface 6. When the startcommand with password is entered, the sequence proceeds to a step 172for comparing the password entered by the user in association with thestart command with password and the “job process start password” set atthe job assignment.

[0175] Then a step 173 discriminates whether the two passwords match inthe comparison in the step 172, and, in case of matching, the sequenceproceeds to a step 174, but, if otherwise, the sequence returns to thestep 171.

[0176] Then a step 174 starts the process of the job, whereupon theprocess is terminated.

[0177] In the foregoing embodiment, even in case the driver installed inthe information processing apparatus in order to control the peripheraldevice does not know the start mode supported by the peripheral deviceto which the input/output job is to be assigned, it is rendered possibleto cause the user of the information processing apparatus to identifythe start mode executable by the peripheral device, by analyzing theattribute information indicating the designatable job process startmodes, and to arbitrarily set the optimum start mode selected from thusidentified start modes according to such attribute information in theperipheral device by the control command.

[0178] Also as the job process start mode according to the attributeinformation obtained from the peripheral device can be the start commandwaiting mode or the start command with password waiting mode, even ifthe driver does not know the start modes in advance, it is possible toexecute the assigned job with the intended start mode by causing thedriver to hold the job assigned to the peripheral device and bytransmitting the control command corresponding to the attributeinformation from the information processing apparatus to the peripheraldevice.

[0179] Furthermore, in case the identified start mode is the startcommand with password waiting mode, the attribute information containsthe maximum value of the settable password so that the setting of apassword that cannot be referred in the peripheral device can besecurely avoided.

[0180] In the foregoing embodiment, there has been explained a methodfor rendering the start mode selectable in case there is alreadydetermined the peripheral device to which the job is assigned. However,it is also possible, even in case plural peripheral devices (MFP's 31,36, 37) are connected to the network as shown in FIG. 3, to render theuser to select a peripheral device having the desired start mode amongthe plural peripheral devices.

[0181]FIG. 18 shows a “list of attributes designatable for the jobprocess start mode” for the respective peripheral devices. Based on thislist, the MFP 31 can designate the “wait command with password”, “waitcommand” or “start immediately” as the start mode. Also the MFP 36 candesignate the “wait command with password” or “start immediately” as thestart mode. Also the MFP 37 can designate the “wait command” or “startimmediately” as the start mode.

[0182]FIG. 19 shows a setting image for the “job process start mode” anda selecting image for the printer. These images are displayed on thedisplay device of the PC 32 (or 33 or 34).

[0183] For displaying the images shown in FIG. 19, the driver softwareexecutes the attribute information acquiring flow shown in FIG. 8 foreach peripheral device thereby acquiring the list of the attributevalues settable as the “job process start mode” attribute from eachperipheral device.

[0184] More specifically, a request for acquiring the “list of supportedattributes” is transmitted to the MFP 31 thereby acquiring the attributelist. Then a step 82 in FIG. 8 discriminates whether the “job processstart mode” attribute is included in the attribute list, and, ifincluded, a step 83 discriminates whether the “job process start mode”is settable. If settable, a step 84 acquires, from the MFP 31, the listof the attribute values settable as the “job process start mode”.Similarly the lists of the attribute values settable as the “job processstart mode” are acquired from the MFP's 36 and 37.

[0185] Then all the attribute values designatable in the MFP's 31, 36,37 are displayed in a list box 1901. When the user designates any of theitems in the list box 1901, information indicating the peripheral devicecapable of executing the designating start mode is displayed in a listbox 1902. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the “wait command withpassword” can be designated as the start mode in the MFP's 31 and 36, sothat, when the “wait command with password” is designated in the listbox 1901, the “MFP 31” and the “MFP 36” are listed in the list box 1902.Also in the example shown in FIG. 18, the “wait command” can bedesignated as the start mode in the MFP's 31 and 37, so that, when the“wait command” is designated in the list box 1901, the “MFP 31” and the“MFP 37” are listed in the list box 1902.

[0186] Then, when an OK button 1903 is depressed, the attribute valuedesignated in the list box 1901 is stored in the attribute value 54-7and the job is assigned to the peripheral device selected in the listbox 1902.

[0187] Thus, even in case the user does not know the start modeexecutable in each peripheral device, the desired start mode can beexecuted in any of the plural peripheral devices. Also since the driversoftware can acquire the “list of attribute values designatable as thestart mode” from the respective peripheral devices, even if the driversoftware does not know the start mode executable in each peripheraldevice at the installation in the PC, the job can be assigned to theperipheral device capable of executing the start mode desired by theuser.

[0188] <Job Assignment Mode>

[0189]FIG. 21 shows an example of the image for setting the mode of thejob assignment start command and additional information. This settingimage is displayed at the transmission of the job assignment startcommand by a job issuing software, and is used in a process flow shownin FIG. 29.

[0190] This setting image is displayed on the LCD 23 of the peripheraldevice or the CRT 43 of the PC 32 (or 33 or 34). The user input(selection of an item in the list box or depression of a button) isexecuted through the keyboard 24 of the peripheral device or through thekeyboard 44 and the pointing device 45 of the PC 32 to 34.

[0191] A title 2101 of the setting image briefly explains the settingimage and indicates that the setting image is to be used for the“setting of job assignment start command”. List boxes 2100, 2112, 2114display lists of modes designatable at the transmission of the jobassignment start command to the peripheral device.

[0192] The modes listed in the list box 2110 correspond to the attributevalues of a “mode (normal/interruption) of the job assignment startcommand” shown in FIG. 23. The modes listed in the list box 2112correspond to the attribute values of a “mode (job storage) of the jobassignment start command” shown in FIG. 24. The modes listed in the listbox 2114 correspond to the attribute values of a “mode (executionguarantee) of the job assignment start command” shown in FIG. 25.

[0193] A list box 2116 displays a list of “file storage locations”. Thecontent listed in the list box corresponds to that in a “list ofdesignatable file storage locations” shown in FIG. 26.

[0194] When the present setting image is displayed at first, a defaultstorage location, obtained by the attribute value in the “list of thedefault file storage locations” shown in FIG. 27, is reversal displayed,indicating a selected state. The list box 2116 is rendered effective incase a mode involving job storage is selected as the mode of the “jobassignment start command”, and the information selected in this list boxis transmitted as additional information of the job assignment startcommand. More specifically, the selection in the list box 2116 isexecuted in case the “execution with job storage” or “job storage only”is selected in the list box 2112.

[0195] Reversal displays 2111, 2113, 2115, 2117 indicate the “jobassignment start command” or the “file storage location” currentlyselected, and, in FIG. 21, respectively indicate “normal execution”,“execution with job storage”, “no execution guarantee” and “storage area8”.

[0196] The user can select desired set values in the list boxes 2110,2112, 2114, 2116. An OK button 2102 is used for determining the mode andadditional information of the job assignment start command at the valuesindicated by the reversal displays. Also a cancel button 2103 is usedfor canceling the setting of the job assignment start command.

[0197]FIG. 22 shows another example of the image for setting the modeand additional information of the job assignment start command. Incontrast to FIG. 21 in which the modes of the job assignment startcommands are classified by the functions thereof, FIG. 22 shows suchmodes according to the combination of the functions.

[0198] This setting image is displayed at the transmission of the jobassignment start command by the job issuing software, and is used in aprocess flow shown in FIG. 29.

[0199] This setting image is displayed on the LCD 23 of the peripheraldevice or the CRT 43 of the PC 32 (or 33 or 34). The user input(selection of an item in the list box or depression of a button) isexecuted through the keyboard 24 of the peripheral device or through thekeyboard 44 and the pointing device 45 of the PC 32 to 34.

[0200] A title 2201 of the setting image briefly explains the settingimage and indicates that the setting image is to be used for the“setting of job assignment start command”. A list box 2210 displays alist of modes designatable at the transmission of the job assignmentstart command to the peripheral device. The modes listed in the list box2210 correspond to the “modes (mixed) of the job assignment startcommand” shown in FIG. 26.

[0201] A list box 2112 displays a list of “file storage locations”. Thecontent listed in the list box corresponds to that in a “list ofdesignatable file storage locations” shown in FIG. 27. When the presentsetting image is displayed at first, a default storage location,obtained by the attribute value in the “list of the default file storagelocations” shown in FIG. 28, is reversal displayed, indicating aselected state.

[0202] The list box 2212 is rendered effective in case a mode involvingjob storage is selected as the mode of the “job assignment startcommand”, and the information selected in this list box is transmittedas additional information of the job assignment start command.

[0203] Reversal displays 2211, 2213 indicate the “mode of the jobassignment start command” or the “file storage location” currentlyselected, and, in FIG. 21, respectively indicate the selection of the“normal execution+guarantee+storage” and “storage area 8”.

[0204] The user can select desired set values in the list boxes 2210,2212. An OK button 2202 is used for determining the mode and additionalinformation of the job assignment start command at the values indicatedby the reversal displays. Also a cancel button 2203 is used forcanceling the setting of the job assignment start command.

[0205]FIG. 23 shows an example of the attribute values settable in the“mode (normal/interruption) designatable for the job assignment startcommand” held by the peripheral device. This information is stored inthe ROM 25 or the DISK 30 of the peripheral device. In this attribute,there are listed modes designatable when the job issuing softwareassigns the job assignment start command to the controller of theperipheral device. Though there are listed modes relating to theinterruption execution of the job, but there may also be added otherattribute values.

[0206] An attribute value “normal execution” 2201 indicates normalexecution of the jobs according to the order of assignment thereof.Thus, if another job is under execution in the peripheral device or ifother jobs are in a waiting queue at the assignment of the jobassignment start command, the process of such assigned job is startedafter the jobs under execution or in the waiting queue are processed.

[0207] An attribute value “interruption execution” 2202 indicatesexecution of the job by interruption. Thus, if another job is underexecution in the peripheral device or if other jobs are in a waitingqueue at the assignment of the job assignment start command, theexecution of such jobs is interrupted and such assigned job ispreferentially executed.

[0208]FIG. 24 shows an example of the attribute values settable in the“mode (job storage) designatable for the job assignment start command”held by the peripheral device. This information is stored in the ROM 25or the DISK 30 of the peripheral device. In this attribute, there arelisted modes designatable when the job issuing software assigns the jobassignment start command to the controller of the peripheral device.Though there are listed modes relating to the job storage, but there maybe also added other attribute values.

[0209] An attribute value “execution without storage” 2401 indicatesnormal execution of the job without job storage. Thus, it indicates thatthe command group instructing the job process is not stored as a file inthe peripheral device.

[0210] An attribute value “execution with job storage” 2402 indicatesexecution of the job with storage. Thus, it indicates that the commandgroup instructing the job process is stored as a file in the peripheraldevice and the job process is also executed.

[0211] An attribute value “storage only” 2403 indicates that the job isstored but is not executed. It indicates that the command groupinstructing the job process is only stored as a file in the peripheraldevice but the job process is not executed at the job assignment.

[0212]FIG. 25 shows an example of the attribute values settable in the“mode (execution guarantee) designatable for the job assignment startcommand” held by the peripheral device. This information is stored inthe ROM 25 or the DISK 30 of the peripheral device. In this attribute,there are listed modes designatable when the job issuing softwareassigns the job assignment start command to the controller of theperipheral device. Though there are listed modes relating to theexecution guarantee, but there may be also added other attribute values.

[0213] An attribute value “execution without guarantee” 2501 indicatesnormal execution of the job. Thus, it indicates that, after thetransmission of a command group instructing the job process to theperipheral device, if the peripheral device becomes incapable of the jobprocess by a certain trouble (for example power supply breakdown in theperipheral device), the execution of the job is not guaranteed after thetrouble is resolved.

[0214] An attribute value “execution with guarantee” 2502 indicates thatthe execution of the job is guaranteed. Thus, it indicates that, afterthe transmission of a command group instructing the job process to theperipheral device, if the peripheral device becomes incapable of the jobprocess by a certain trouble (for example power supply breakdown in theperipheral device), the execution of the job is guaranteed after thetrouble is resolved.

[0215]FIG. 26 shows an example of the attribute values settable in the“mode (mixed) designatable for the job assignment start command” held bythe peripheral device. This information is stored in the ROM 25 or theDISK 30 of the peripheral device. In this attribute, there are listedmodes designatable when the job issuing software assigns the jobassignment start command to the controller of the peripheral device.Though there are listed combinations of the modes relating to theinterruption execution, storage and execution guarantee of the job, butthere may be also added other attribute values.

[0216] An attribute value “normal execution” 2601 indicates normalexecution of the jobs in the order of assignment thereof. Thus, it isequivalent to a combined designation of the “normal execution” 2301 inFIG. 23, the “execution without job storage” 2401 in FIG. 24 and the“execution without guarantee” 2501 in FIG. 25.

[0217] An attribute value “interruption execution” 2602 indicates theexecution of the job by interruption. Thus, it is equivalent to acombination designation of the “interruption execution” 2302 in FIG. 23,the “execution without job storage” 2401 in FIG. 24 and the “executionwithout guarantee” 2501 in FIG. 25.

[0218] An attribute value “normal execution+storage” 2603 indicatesstorage and execution of the job. Thus, it is equivalent to a combineddesignation of the “normal execution” 2301 in FIG. 23, the “executionwith job storage” 2402 in FIG. 24 and the “execution without guarantee”2501 in FIG. 25.

[0219] An attribute value “interruption execution+storage” 2604indicates storage and interruption execution of the job. Thus, it isequivalent to a combination designation of the “interruption execution”2302 in FIG. 23, the “execution with job storage” 2402 in FIG. 24 andthe “execution without guarantee” 2501 in FIG. 25.

[0220] An attribute value “storage only” 2605 indicates that the job isstored but is not executed. Thus, it is equivalent to a combineddesignation of the “normal execution” 2301 in FIG. 23, the “storageonly” 2403 in FIG. 24 and the “execution without guarantee” 2501 in FIG.25.

[0221] An attribute value “normal execution+guarantee” 2606 indicatesthat the execution of the job is guaranteed. Thus, it is equivalent to acombination designation of the “normal execution” 2301 in FIG. 23, the“execution without job storage” 2401 in FIG. 24 and the “execution withguarantee” 2502 in FIG. 25.

[0222] An attribute value “normal execution+guarantee+storage” 2607indicates the storage and execution with guarantee of the job. Thus, itis equivalent to a combination designation of the “normal execution”2301 in FIG. 23, the “execution with job storage” 2402 in FIG. 24 andthe “execution with guarantee” 2502 in FIG. 25.

[0223]FIG. 27 shows an example of the attribute values settable in the“designatable file storage location” attribute held by the peripheraldevice. This information is stored in the ROM 25 or the DISK 30 of theperipheral device.

[0224] Attribute values “storage area 1” 2701 to “storage area 9” 2709indicate the “file storage locations” that can be designated. In case amode involving job storage is designated for the job assignment startcommand, one of the “file storage locations” listed in this attributehas to be designated as the additional information. The attribute valueis represented by a name such as “storage area n”, but it may also berepresented by another uniquely identifiable information such as anidentifier or a handle value indicating the storage location.

[0225]FIG. 28 shows an example of the attribute value of the “defaultfile storage location” attribute held by the peripheral device. Thisinformation is stored in the ROM 25 or the DISK 30 of the peripheraldevice.

[0226] An attribute value “storage area 8” 2801 is an example of thedefault “file storage location”. In case a mode involving job storage isdesignated for the job assignment start command, the additionalinformation therefor has to be designated, but, if such designation isnot executed, the value of this attribute is adopted as the additionalinformation.

[0227] The attribute value is represented by a name such as “storagearea n”, but it may also be represented by another uniquely identifiableinformation such as an identifier or a handle value indicating thestorage location.

[0228]FIG. 29 is a flow chart of the job assignment flow. The jobassignment is executed by the job issuing software to the controller inthe peripheral device and the present process flow is executed by thejob issuing software.

[0229] A step S2901 acquires the modes designatable for the jobassignment start command, and the sequence proceeds to a step S2902. Thejob issuing software sends an attribute acquiring command to thecontroller of the peripheral device, which returns the designatedattribute value. In this operation, the controller of the peripheraldevice executes a process flow for the attribute information accesscommand shown in FIG. 14.

[0230] The attributes constituting the object of acquisition are the“mode (normal/interruption) designatable for the job assignment startcommand” attribute shown in FIG. 23, the “mode (job storage)designatable for the job assignment start command” attribute shown inFIG. 24, the “mode (execution guarantee) designatable for the jobassignment start command” attribute shown in FIG. 23 and the “mode(mixed) designatable for the job assignment start command” attributeshown in FIG. 26.

[0231] A step S2902 discriminates whether a mode involving job storageis included in the “mode (job storage) designatable for the jobassignment start command” attribute shown in FIG. 24 or the “mode(mixed) designatable for the job assignment start command” attributeshown in FIG. 26, and, if included, the sequence proceeds to a stepS2903, but, if not, the sequence proceeds to a step S2906.

[0232] A step S2903 acquires the “file storage locations” designatableas the additional information, and the sequence proceeds to a stepS2904. The job issuing software sends an attribute acquiring command tothe controller of the peripheral device, which returns the designatedattribute value. In this operation, the controller of the peripheraldevice executes a process flow for the attribute information accesscommand shown in FIG. 14. The attribute constituting the object ofacquisition is the “designatable file storage locations” attribute shownin FIG. 27.

[0233] A step S2904 acquires the default “file storage location”, andthe sequence proceeds to a step S2905. The job issuing software sends anattribute acquiring command to the controller of the peripheral device,which returns the designated attribute value. In this operation, thecontroller of the peripheral device executes a process flow for theattribute information access command shown in FIG. 14. The attributeconstituting the object of acquisition is the “default file storagelocation” attribute shown in FIG. 28.

[0234] A step S2905 executes setting of the “file storage location”, andthe sequence proceeds to a step S2906. The list of the “file storagelocations” obtained in the step S2904 is displayed in the list box 2116of the setting image for the job assignment start command shown in FIG.21 or in the list box 2212 of the setting image for the job assignmentstart command shown in FIG. 22, and the default “file storage location”obtained in the step S2905 is reversal displayed.

[0235] A step S2906 executes setting of the modes designatable for thejob assignment start command, and the sequence proceeds to a step S2907.The list of the modes obtained in the step S2901 is displayed in thelist box 2110, 2112, 2114 of the setting image for the job assignmentstart command shown in FIG. 6 or in the list box 2210 of the settingimage for the job assignment start command shown in FIG. 22.

[0236] A step S2907 provides the user with a setting image for the jobassignment start command shown in FIG. 21 or 22, thereby causing theuser to select the mode and the additional information required for thejob assignment start command.

[0237] A step S2908 sends the job assignment start command together withthe selected mode and additional information to the controller of theperipheral device. After the step S2908, there is executed the processshown in FIG. 12.

[0238] FIGS. 30 to 32 show a process flow for job reception. Thecontroller of the peripheral device receives a group of job processcommands transmitted from the job issuing software. This process flow isexecuted by the controller of the peripheral device.

[0239] A step S3001 discriminates the mode designated in the jobassignment start command. However, this discrimination is not executedat the reception of the job assignment start command, received as theinstruction for starting the job, but is executed after the storage ofthe mode designated by the job assignment start command in a step S3101shown in FIG. 31.

[0240] If the stored mode involves job storage, the sequence proceeds toa step S3002, but, if otherwise, the sequence proceeds to a step S3003.A step S3002 executes a process of file storage of the received command,and a step S3003 analyzes the received command and the parametersthereof.

[0241] A process starting with a step S3004 and shown in FIG. 31 isexecuted in case the analysis identifies that the received command is ajob assignment start command. FIG. 31 describes a process specific tothe present invention, and other processes required in association withthe job assignment start command are assumed to have been completed atthe point of the step S3004.

[0242] A process starting with a step S3005 and shown in FIG. 32 isexecuted in case the analysis identifies that the received command is ajob assignment end command. FIG. 32 describes a process specific to thepresent invention, and other processes required in association with thejob assignment end command are assumed to have been completed at thepoint of the step S3005.

[0243] A step S3006 is executed in case the analysis identifies that thereceived command is another command, and discriminates the mode of thejob assignment start command stored in the step S3101 shown in FIG. 31,and the sequence proceeds to a step S3007 in case the mode is not forthe storage only, but the sequence is terminated in case the mode is forthe storage only. A step S3007 executes a process corresponding to thedesignated command, whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0244]FIG. 31 is a continuation of the process in case the step S3003 inFIG. 30 identifies that the received command is a job assignment startcommand. This process flow is executed by the controller of theperipheral device.

[0245] A step S3101 stores the mode designated by the job assignmentstart command. The stored mode is used in the discriminations of thesteps S3001, S3006 in FIG. 30 and in a step S3201 in FIG. 32. A stepS3102 analyzes the designated mode.

[0246] Steps S3103 and S3104 are executed in case the mode is identifiedto involve interruption as the result of analysis, and, in such case,the sequence proceeds to a step S3104 to interrupt a job processcompeting with the job process designated by the job assignment startcommand, whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0247] Steps S3105 to S3109 are executed in case the mode is identifiedto involve job storage as the result of analysis, and, in such case, thesequence proceeds to a step S3106 to discriminate whether file storagelocation is designated. If designated, the sequence proceeds to a stepS3107, but, if not, the sequence proceeds to a step S3108. A step S3107generates a job storage file in the designated storage location, and thesequence proceeds to a step S3109.

[0248] A step S3108 generates a job storage file in the storage locationobtained by referring to the “default file storage location” attributeheld by the peripheral device, and the sequence proceeds to a stepS3109. A step S3109 records the job assignment start command in thegenerated job storage file, whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0249] Steps S3111, S3112 and S3109 are executed in case the mode isidentified to involve execution guarantee as the result of analysis,and, in such case, the sequence proceeds to a step S3112 to generate ajob storage file in a storage area internally defined in the peripheraldevice, and then to a step S3109. A step S3109 records the jobassignment start command in the generated job storage file, whereuponthe sequence is terminated.

[0250] In case the step S3111 identifies that the mode does not involveexecution guarantee, the sequence proceeds to a step S3113 todiscriminate whether any other mode is designated by the job assignmentstart command. If none, the sequence is terminated, but, if any, a stepS3114 executes a process corresponding to such designated mode whereuponthe sequence is terminated.

[0251] The files generated in the steps S3107, S3108 and S3112 arestored in the DISK 30 of the peripheral device.

[0252]FIG. 32 is a continuation of the process in case the step S3003 inFIG. 30 identifies that the received command is a job assignment endcommand. This process flow is executed by the controller of theperipheral device.

[0253] A step S3201 divides the process according to the mode of the jobassignment start command stored in the step S3101 in FIG. 31.

[0254] In case the mode involves interruption (step S3202), the sequenceproceeds to a step S3203 for restarting the execution of the interruptedjob, whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0255] In case the mode involves job storage (step S3204), the sequenceis terminated.

[0256] In case the mode involves execution guarantee (step S3205), thesequence proceeds to a step S3206 for deleting the job storage filegenerated in the step S3112 in FIG. 31, whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0257] In case the step S3205 identifies that the mode does not involveexecution guarantee, the sequence proceeds to a step S3207 fordiscriminating whether any other mode is designated by the jobassignment start command. If none, the sequence is terminated, but, ifany, a step S3208 executes a process corresponding to such designatedmode whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0258]FIG. 33 shows a process flow for an execution guarantee job. Thisprocess flow is executed by the controller of the peripheral device,and, at the activation thereof, discriminates whether a job designatedfor execution guarantee remains unexecuted, and, if such unexecuted jobis present, executes such job.

[0259] A process of the steps S3301 to S3304 is repeated until theunexecuted execution guarantee jobs, stored in the storage areainternally defined in the peripheral device, are exhausted. A step S3302executes job process according to the command group in the job storagefile, and the sequence proceeds to a step S3303 after the completion ofthe job process. The storage file is generated in the step S3112 in FIG.31 and is stored in the DISK 210 of the peripheral device.

[0260] A step S3303 deletes the job storage file. A loop process of thesteps S3301 to S3304 executes or deletes all the unexecuted executionguarantee jobs, and the present process flow is terminated uponcompletion of the loop process.

[0261] <Job Deletion Mode>

[0262]FIG. 34 shows the “list of attributes supported by the job” inwhich an attribute “job deletion mode” 3407 is added to the list shownin FIG. 6. In case the “job deletion mode” is settable, there can be seta job deletion mode as explained in the following.

[0263]FIG. 35 is a view showing a “list of attributes designatable forthe job deletion mode”, held by the peripheral device. This informationis stored in the ROM 25 or the DISK 30 shown in FIG. 2. The “list ofattributes designatable for the job deletion mode” shown in FIG. 35lists the attribute values designatable by the driver software as thevalue of the “job deletion mode” attribute held by the job to beprocessed by the peripheral device. However, the attribute valuescontained in the “list of attributes designatable for the job deletionmode” may be other than those shown in FIG. 35.

[0264] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the “job deletionmode” attribute is listed in the “attribute list supported by the job”held by the peripheral device, as shown in FIG. 21, and that otherattributes required according to the set value of the “job deletionmode” attribute are also listed in the “attribute list supported by thejob” shown in FIG. 21.

[0265] The “job deletion mode” attribute indicates the setting of acondition for job deletion assigned by the driver software, and thesetting of the “job deletion mode” attribute allows to control thedeletion of the assigned job.

[0266] In FIG. 35, an attribute value “designated by absolute time” 3501indicates that the deletion time after the job assignment is designatedby an absolute time and that the job is deleted when the deletion timeis reached. The attribute value also includes the designated deletiontime.

[0267] Also an attribute value “designate by relative time” 3502indicates that the deletion time after the job assignment is designatedby a relative time and that the job is deleted when the deletion time isreached. The attribute value also includes the designated deletion time.

[0268]FIG. 36 shows an example of a setting image for the “job deletionmode” attribute. This setting image is used by the user for setting the“job deletion mode” attribute at the job assignment to the peripheraldevice and is displayed on the CRT 43 of the PC 32 to 34 or on the LCD23 of the peripheral device.

[0269] It is assumed that the driver software, prior to the generationof the setting image shown in FIG. 36, acquires a list of the valuessettable as the “job deletion mode” attribute by the device informationacquiring flow shown in FIG. 8.

[0270] Referring to FIG. 36, a title 3600 of the setting image brieflyexplains the setting image and indicates that the setting image is to beused for setting the value of the “job deletion mode” attribute.

[0271] A list box 3601 displays a list of the attribute valuesdesignatable for the “job deletion mode” attribute. The attribute valueslisted in the list box 3601 correspond to the values listed in the “jobdeletion mode” attribute shown in FIG. 35. The user can select a desiredvalue from the list box 3601, utilizing the keyboard 44 and the pointingdevice 45 of the PC 32 to 34.

[0272] A reversal display 3602 indicates the currently selected value ofthe “job deletion mode” attribute. In the example shown in FIG. 36,there is selected “designate by absolute time”. An OK button 3603 isused for determining the attribute value of the assigned job at thevalue indicated by the reversal display 3602.

[0273]FIG. 37 shows a setting image to be used by the user for settingthe job deletion time after the job assignment in case the user selects“designate by absolute time” in the setting image for the “job deletionmode” attribute shown in FIG. 36. This setting image is displayed on theCRT 43 of the PC 32 (or 33 or 34).

[0274] It is assumed that the PC 32 (or 33 or 34) displaying the settingimage shown in FIG. 37, prior to the generation of the image shown inFIG. 37, acquires the “maximum value of the elapsed time designatablefor the job deletion time” by the device information acquiring flowshown in FIG. 8. In the setting image shown in FIG. 37, there is alsoprepared a check box 3704 for setting the “deletion during jobexecution” attribute by the user.

[0275] In FIG. 37, a title 3700 of the setting image briefly explainssuch image and indicates that such setting image is to be used fordesignating the job deletion time by absolute time. In an edit box 3701,the user enters an absolute time for deleting the job. A check box 3704is provided for designating the process in case the job is underexecution when the absolute time designated by the user is reached. Ifthe check box 3704 is checked, the peripheral device forcedly deletesthe job when the designated absolute time is reached, even if such jobis under execution.

[0276] An OK button 3702 is used for determining the designated deletiontime of the assigned job at the value entered into the edit box 3701. Itis also used for determining the check mark in the check box 3704.

[0277] In the setting image shown in FIG. 37, a text 3703 indicates thetime range settable by the user. In the present embodiment, the maximumvalue of the elapsed time designatable for the job deletion time isdefined as 2 days. Based on this value, the designatable time range iscalculated and is displayed in the text 3703. In the example shown inFIG. 37, an arbitrary time until 12:00 hours on Jan. 25, 2000 can beentered into the edit box 3701.

[0278] In case the user selects “designate by relative time” in FIG. 36,the job deletion time can be designated by relative time in a settingimage similar to that shown in FIG. 37. In such case, there is displayedthe maximum value of the designatable relative time.

[0279]FIG. 41 shows a setting image displayed when the “designate byrelative time” is selected. This setting image is displayed on the CRT43 of the PC 32 (or 33 or 34).

[0280] It is assumed that, prior to the display of the image shown inFIG. 41, the “maximum value of the elapsed time designatable for the jobdeletion time after the job execution” is acquired by the deviceinformation acquiring flow shown in FIG. 8.

[0281] In FIG. 41, a title 4100 of the setting image briefly explainssuch image and indicates that such setting image is to be used fordesignating the deletion time after the job execution by relative time.In an edit box 4101, the user enters a relative time for deleting thejob after the job execution.

[0282] An OK button 4102 is used for determining the designated deletiontime of the assigned job at the value entered into the edit box 4101. Atext 4103 indicates the maximum value of the relative time settable bythe user.

[0283]FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing the process flow in which thedriver software, at the job assignment to the peripheral device,designates the job deletion time utilizing the “job deletion mode”attribute.

[0284] At first a step S3801 displays a setting image as shown in FIG.36 and discriminates whether the absolute time mode or the relative timemode is designated for the job deletion mode. The sequence proceeds to astep S3802 if the user selects the absolute time mode in which the jobis deleted at designated time and date, but the sequence proceeds to astep S3804 if the user selects the relative time mode in which the jobis deleted after the lapse of a designated time from the job assignment.

[0285] A step S3802 sets “designate by absolute time” in the “jobdeletion mode” attribute 3407, and then a step S3803 displays an imageshown in FIG. 37 for designating the absolute time and causes the userto enter the desired job deletion time by an absolute time.

[0286] A step S3804 sets “designate by relative time” in the “jobdeletion mode” attribute 3407, and then a step S3805 displays an imagefor designating the absolute time, similar to that shown in FIG. 37, andcauses the user to enter the desired job deletion time by a relativetime.

[0287] A step S3806 sets whether or not the job is deleted at thedesignated date and time even if the job is under execution, whereuponthe sequence is terminated.

[0288]FIGS. 39 and 40 are flow charts of a flow to be executed insuccession to the step 140 in FIG. 13. The process shown in FIG. 39 isexecuted instead of or together with the process shown in FIG. 15.

[0289] A step S3901 discriminates whether the “job deletion mode”attribute is set, and, if not, the sequence proceeds to a step S3902 fordeleting the job after execution thereof, whereupon the sequence isterminated. On the other hand, if the “job deletion mode” attribute isset, the sequence proceeds to a step S3903.

[0290] A step S3903 discriminates whether the value of the “job deletionmode” attribute is “designate by relative time”, and, if so, thesequence proceeds to a step S3904, but, if not, the sequence proceeds toa step S3910.

[0291] A step S3904 discriminates whether the designated relative timeexceeds the maximum designatable value of the elapsed time, and thesequence proceeds to a step S3916 or S3905 respectively if the maximumdesignatable value is exceeded or not.

[0292] A step S3905 discriminates whether the setting is so made as toforcedly delete the job even in case the job is under execution at thedesignated time. If so set, the sequence proceeds to a step S3906 towait until the lapse of the designated time, and, when the designatedtime elapses, a step S3907 deletes the job whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0293] On the other hand, if the setting is not to execute deletionduring the job execution, the sequence proceeds to a step S3908 to waituntil the lapse of the designated time, and, when the designated timeelapses, a step S3909 discriminates whether the job is under execution.If not, the sequence proceeds to a step S3907 to delete the job,whereupon the sequence is terminated. If the job is under execution, thesequence proceeds to the step S3902 for deleting the job after executionthereof, whereupon the sequence is terminated.

[0294] A step S3910 discriminates whether the value of the “job deletionmode” attribute is “designate by absolute time”, and, if so, thesequence proceeds to a step S3911, but, if not, the sequence proceeds toa step S3917.

[0295] A step S3911 compares the designated absolute time with thecurrent time and discriminates whether the designated absolute timeexceeds the maximum designatable value of the elapsed time, and thesequence proceeds to a step S3916 or S3912 respectively if the maximumdesignatable value is exceeded or not.

[0296] A step S3912 discriminates whether the setting is so made as toforcedly delete the job even in case the job is under execution at thedesignated time. If so set, the sequence proceeds to a step S3913 towait until the designated time, and, when the designated time isreached, a step S3907 deletes the job whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0297] On the other hand, if the setting is not to execute deletionduring the job execution, the sequence proceeds to a step S3914 to waituntil the designated time, and, when the designated time is reached, astep S3915 discriminates whether the job is under execution. If not, thesequence proceeds to a step S3907 to delete the job, whereupon thesequence is terminated.

[0298] If the job is under execution, the sequence proceeds to the stepS3902 for deleting the job after execution thereof, whereupon thesequence is terminated.

[0299] A step S3917 executes an error process for an incorrectdesignated value of the “job deletion mode” attribute, whereupon thesequence is terminated. Also a step S3916 executes an error process forthe designation of a value exceeding the maximum designatable value ofthe elapsed time for the job deletion time, whereupon the sequence isterminated.

[0300] As explained in the foregoing, the present invention allows todiscriminate whether a mode for deleting the assigned job can bedesignated. Also in case the designation is possible, there is inquiredto the peripheral device whether the job deletion can be executed by thedesignation of an absolute time or a relative time, and the user isenabled to select either of these methods.

[0301] In the following there will be explained the configuration of adata processing program readable by an image processing system in whichthe information processing apparatus and the peripheral device of thepresent invention are applicable, with reference to a memory map shownin FIG. 17.

[0302]FIG. 17 shows a memory map of a memory medium, storing variousdata processing programs readable by a printing system in which a printcontrol apparatus of the present invention is applicable.

[0303] Though not illustrated, there may also be stored information formanaging the programs stored in the memory medium, such as versioninformation, author information etc., and information dependent on theoperating system of the program reading side, such as icons foridentifying the programs.

[0304] Furthermore, data belonging to the programs are also managed bythe above-mentioned directory. Also there may be stored a program forinstalling various programs into the computer, and a thawing program tobe used in case the programs to be installed are compressed.

[0305] The functions of the present embodiment, shown in FIGS. 8, 11, 12and 13 to 16 may be achieved by a host computer, through a programinstalled from the exterior. The present invention is applicable in suchcase, namely in case the information including programs is supplied tothe output apparatus from a memory medium such as a CD-ROM, a flushmemory or an FD, or through a network from an external memory medium.

[0306] The objects of the present invention can naturally be attainedalso in case where a memory medium storing program codes of a softwarerealizing the functions of the aforementioned embodiments is supplied toa system or an apparatus and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of such systemor apparatus reads and executes the program codes stored in the memorymedium.

[0307] In such case, the program codes themselves read from the memorymedium realize the novel functions of the present invention, and theprogram codes themselves or the memory medium storing such program codesconstitutes the present invention.

[0308] The memory medium for supplying the program codes can be, forexample, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetoopticaldisk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, aROM or an EEPROM.

[0309] The present invention naturally includes not only a case wherethe functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized by theexecution of the read program codes by the computer, but also a casewhere an OS (operating system) or the like functioning on the computerexecutes all the process or a part thereof under the instruction of suchprogram codes, thereby realizing the functions of the aforementionedembodiments.

[0310] The present invention further includes a case where the programcodes read from the memory medium are once stored in a memory providedin a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a functionexpansion unit connected thereto and a CPU or the like provided in suchfunction expansion board or function expansion unit executes all theprocess or a part thereof under the instruction of such program codes,thereby realizing the functions of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0311] In the present invention, as explained in the foregoing, even incase the driver software installed in the information processingapparatus for the purpose of controlling the peripheral device does notknow in advance the start mode for the peripheral device to which thejob is to be assigned, the user of the information processing apparatuscan identify the start mode executable in the peripheral device.

[0312] Also the desired start mode, selected by the user from theidentified start modes, can be arbitrarily set in the peripheral deviceby the control command. In particular, it is possible to set, in theperipheral device, a mode of starting the job process after a startcommand, such as a mode for awaiting a start command or a mode forawaiting a start command with password, thereby arbitrarily controllingthe timing and condition of starting the job output according to theneed of the user.

[0313] Also, even if the user does not know the start mode executable ineach peripheral device, the desired start mode can be executed in one ofthe plural peripheral devices. Also, since the driver software acquiresa “list of attribute values designatable for the start mode” from eachperipheral device, the job can be assigned to the peripheral devicecapable of executing the start mode desired by the user, even if thedriver software does not know, at the installation thereof into theinformation processing apparatus, the start mode executable in eachperipheral device.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for processing a job, generated in aninformation processing apparatus, in a peripheral device, the systemcomprising: request means for requesting, from the informationprocessing apparatus to the peripheral device, information indicating acondition designatable in the job, as a start condition of theperipheral device for starting the processing of the job; transmissionmeans for transmitting, from the peripheral device to the informationprocessing apparatus, information indicating a condition designatable assaid start condition, in response to the request from the informationprocessing apparatus; display control means for displaying the conditiondesignatable as said start condition, on a display unit of theinformation processing apparatus; and command transmission means fortransmitting, from the information processing apparatus to theperipheral device, a command for designating a condition selected amongthe conditions displayed on the display unit.
 2. A system according toclaim 1, wherein the condition designatable as said start conditionincludes a condition of starting the job processing in response to astart command from the information processing apparatus or a startcommand from an operation unit.
 3. A system according to claim 1,wherein the condition designatable as said start condition includes acondition of starting the job processing in response to a password inputfrom the information processing apparatus or a password input from anoperation unit and if the entered password is correct.
 4. A systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the condition designatable as said startcondition includes at least one of a condition of starting the jobprocessing in response to the reception of the job, a condition ofstarting the job processing at a designated absolute time, and acondition of starting the job processing after the lapse of a designatedrelative time.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said peripheraldevice is either of a printer, a scanner, a copying apparatus, afacsimile apparatus and a composite apparatus.
 6. A method forprocessing a job, generated in an information processing apparatus, in aperipheral device, the method comprising steps of: requesting, from theinformation processing apparatus to the peripheral device, informationindicating a condition designatable in the job, as a start condition ofthe peripheral device for starting the processing of the job;transmitting, from the peripheral device to the information processingapparatus, information indicating a designatable condition as said startcondition, in response to the request from the information processingapparatus; displaying the condition designatable as said startcondition, on a display unit of the information processing apparatus;and transmitting, from the information processing apparatus to theperipheral device, a command for designating a condition selected amongthe conditions displayed on the display unit.
 7. A method according toclaim 6, wherein the condition designatable as said start conditionincludes a condition of starting the job processing in response to astart command from the information processing apparatus or a startcommand from an operation unit.
 8. A method according to claim 6,wherein the condition designatable as said start condition includes acondition of starting the job processing in response to a password inputfrom the information processing apparatus or a password input from anoperation unit and if the entered password is correct.
 9. A methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the condition designatable as said startcondition includes at least one of a condition of starting the jobprocessing in response to the reception of the job, a condition ofstarting the job processing at a designated absolute time, and acondition of starting the job processing after the lapse of a designatedrelative time.
 10. A method according to claim 6, wherein saidperipheral device is either of a printer, a scanner, a copyingapparatus, a facsimile apparatus and a composite apparatus.
 11. Aperipheral device for processing a job received from an informationprocessing apparatus, comprising: memory means for storing a conditiondesignatable in the job, as a start condition for starting theprocessing of the received job; and transmission means for transmittinginformation indicating a designatable condition as said start conditionto the information processing apparatus, in response to the request fromthe information processing apparatus.
 12. A peripheral device accordingto claim 11, further comprising: job process means for receiving acontrol command indicating a condition designated as said startcondition from the information processing apparatus and controlling thetiming of processing the job from the information processing apparatus.13. A peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the conditiondesignatable as said start condition includes a condition of startingthe job processing in response to a start command from the informationprocessing apparatus or a start command from an operation unit, or acondition of starting the job processing in response to a password inputfrom the information processing apparatus or a password input from anoperation unit and if the entered password is correct.
 14. A peripheraldevice according to claim 13, further comprising: holding means forholding a job for which designated is a condition for starting the jobprocessing in response to a password input; and job process means fordiscriminating, in response to a password input, whether the enteredpassword is correct, and, in response to discrimination that the enteredpassword is correct, starting the processing of the job held by saidholding means.
 15. A peripheral device according to claim 14, whereinsaid job process means compares the entered password and the passwordassociated with the received job, and discriminates whether the enteredpassword is correct, based on the result of comparison.
 16. A peripheraldevice according to claim 14, wherein said transmission means transmits,to the information processing apparatus, information indicating themaximum length of the designatable password with respect to thecondition of starting the job processing in response to the passwordinput.
 17. A peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein thecondition designatable as said start condition includes at least one ofa condition of starting the job processing in response to the receptionof the job, a condition of starting the job processing at a designatedabsolute time, and a condition of starting the job processing after thelapse of a designated relative time.
 18. A peripheral device accordingto claim 11, wherein said peripheral device is either of a printer, ascanner, a copying apparatus, a facsimile apparatus and a compositeapparatus.
 19. An information processing apparatus for generating a joband issuing the generated job to a peripheral device, comprising:acquisition means for acquiring, from the peripheral device, informationindicating a condition designatable in the generated job, as a startcondition of the peripheral device for starting the processing of thejob; and display control means for displaying, on a display unit, thecondition designatable as said start condition, based on said acquiredinformation; wherein transmitted is a command for designating acondition selected among the conditions displayed on the display unit.20. An information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein acommand for designating the selected condition is transmitted togetherwith the job to the peripheral device.
 21. An information processingapparatus according to claim 19, wherein the condition designatable assaid start condition includes a condition of starting the job processingin response to a start command from the information processing apparatusor a start command from an operation unit, or a condition of startingthe job processing in response to a password input from the informationprocessing apparatus or a password input from an operation unit and ifthe entered password is correct.
 22. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 21, wherein said display control means displays, onthe display unit, an input image for entering the password, in responseto the selection of the condition of starting the job processing inresponse to the password input.
 23. An information processing apparatusaccording to claim 19, wherein the condition designatable as said startcondition includes at least one of a condition of starting the jobprocessing in response to the reception of the job, a condition ofstarting the job processing at a designated absolute time, and acondition of starting the job processing after the lapse of a designatedrelative time.
 24. An information processing apparatus according toclaim 19, wherein said display control means is adapted, when a driversoftware for generating the job is activated, to display the conditiondesignatable as said start condition on an image of said driversoftware.
 25. An information processing apparatus according to claim 19,wherein: said acquisition means acquires information indicating thecondition designatable as said start condition from plural peripheraldevices; and said display control means displays, in response to theselection of condition, a peripheral device capable of designating theselected condition on the display unit.
 26. An information processingapparatus according to claim 25, wherein a command designating theselected condition is transmitted to a selected peripheral device. 27.An information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein saidperipheral device is either of a printer, a scanner, a copyingapparatus, a facsimile apparatus and a composite apparatus.
 28. Aprogram for controlling an information processing apparatus forgenerating a job and issuing the generated job to a peripheral device,said program comprising the steps of: acquiring, from the peripheraldevice, information indicating a condition designatable in the generatedjob, as a start condition of the peripheral device for starting theprocessing of the job; displaying, on a display unit, the conditiondesignatable as said start condition, based on said acquiredinformation; and transmitting a command for designating a conditionselected among the conditions displayed on the display unit.
 29. Acomputer readable memory medium storing a program for controlling aninformation processing apparatus for generating a job and issuing thegenerated job to a peripheral device, said program comprising the stepsof: acquiring, from the peripheral device, information indicating acondition designatable in the generated job, as a start condition of theperipheral device for starting the processing of the job; displaying, ona display unit, said condition designatable as said start condition,based on said acquired information; and transmitting a command fordesignating a condition selected among the conditions displayed on thedisplay unit.
 30. A system for processing a job, generated in aninformation processing apparatus, in a peripheral device, the systemcomprising: request means for requesting, from the informationprocessing apparatus to the peripheral device, information indicating amode designatable in the job, as a process mode of the peripheral devicefor processing the job; transmission means for transmitting, from theperipheral device to the information processing apparatus, informationindicating a mode designatable as said process mode, in response to therequest from the information processing apparatus; display control meansfor displaying an image for selecting the mode designatable as saidprocess mode on a display unit of the information processing apparatus;and transmission means for transmitting, from the information processingapparatus to the peripheral device, a command for assigning the job anddesignating a mode selected among the modes displayed on the displayunit.
 31. A system according to claim 30, wherein the mode designatableas the process mode includes at least one of a normal mode of processingjobs in the order of assignment thereof, an interruption mode ofprocessing an interrupting job instead of other jobs, a storage mode ofstoring the job in the peripheral device, and a guarantee mode ofprocessing the job later in case the job cannot be processed completely.32. A system according to claim 30, wherein the mode designatable as theprocess mode includes at least one of a mode of processing jobs in theorder of assignment thereof and storing the job in the peripheraldevice, a mode of processing an interrupting job instead of other jobsand storing the job in the peripheral device, and a mode of processingjobs in the order of assignment thereof and processing the job later incase the job cannot be processed completely.
 33. A system according toclaim 31, wherein said display control means displays, in response tothe selection of a mode involving the storage of the job in theperipheral device, an image for causing selection of plural storageareas in the peripheral device, on the display unit.
 34. A systemaccording to claim 30, wherein the mode designatable as the process modeincludes a deletion mode of deleting the job after the lapse of apredetermined time from the job assignment.
 35. A method for processinga job, generated in an information processing apparatus, in a peripheraldevice, the method comprising steps of: requesting, from the informationprocessing apparatus to the peripheral device, information indicating amode designatable in the job, as a process mode of the peripheral devicefor processing the job; transmitting, from the peripheral device to theinformation processing apparatus, information indicating a modedesignatable as said process mode, in response to the request from theinformation processing apparatus; displaying an image for selecting themode designatable as said process mode on a display unit of theinformation processing apparatus; and transmitting, from the informationprocessing apparatus to the peripheral device, a command for assigningthe job and designating a mode selected among the modes displayed on thedisplay unit.
 36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the modedesignatable as the process mode includes at least one of a normal modeof processing jobs in the order of assignment thereof, an interruptionmode of processing an interrupting job instead of other jobs, a storagemode of storing the job in the peripheral device, and a guarantee modeof processing the job later in case the job cannot be processedcompletely.
 37. A method according to claim 35, wherein the modedesignatable as the process mode includes at least one of a mode ofprocessing jobs in the order of assignment thereof and storing the jobin the peripheral device, a mode of processing an interrupting jobinstead of other jobs and storing the job in the peripheral device, anda mode of processing jobs in the order of assignment thereof andprocessing the job later in case the job cannot be processed completely.38. A method according to claim 36, wherein said display control meansdisplays, in response to the selection of a mode involving the storageof the job in the peripheral device, an image for causing selection ofplural storage areas in the peripheral device, on the display unit. 39.A method according to claim 35, wherein the mode designatable as theprocess mode includes a deletion mode of deleting the job after thelapse of a predetermined time from the job assignment.
 40. A peripheraldevice capable of processing a job received from an informationprocessing apparatus, comprising: memory means for storing informationindicating a mode designatable in the job, as the process mode of theperipheral device for processing the job; and transmission means fortransmitting, to the information processing apparatus, informationindicating a mode designatable as said process mode, in response to therequest from the information processing apparatus.
 41. A peripheraldevice according to claim 40, wherein the mode designatable as theprocess mode includes at least one of a normal mode of processing jobsin the order of assignment thereof, an interruption mode of processingan interrupting job instead of other jobs, a storage mode of storing thejob in the peripheral device, and a guarantee mode of processing the joblater in case the job cannot be processed completely.
 42. A peripheraldevice according to claim 40, wherein the mode designatable as theprocess mode includes at least one of a mode of processing jobs in theorder of assignment thereof and storing the job in the peripheraldevice, a mode of processing an interrupting job instead of other jobsand storing the job in the peripheral device, and a mode of processingjobs in the order of assignment thereof and processing the job later incase the job cannot be processed completely.
 43. A peripheral deviceaccording to claim 40, wherein the mode designatable as the process modeincludes a deletion mode of deleting the job after the lapse of apredetermined time from the job assignment.
 44. An informationprocessing apparatus for generating a job and issuing the generated jobto a peripheral device, comprising: means for acquiring, from theperipheral device, information indicating a mode designatable in thejob, as a process mode of the peripheral device for processing the job;display control means for displaying, based on the information acquiredby said acquisition means, an image for selecting the mode designatableas said process mode on a display unit of the information processingapparatus; and transmission means for transmitting, to the peripheraldevice, a command for assigning the job and designating a mode selectedamong the modes displayed on the display unit.
 45. An apparatusaccording to claim 44, wherein the mode designatable as the process modeincludes at least one of a normal mode of processing jobs in the orderof assignment thereof, an interruption mode of processing aninterrupting job instead of other jobs, a storage mode of storing thejob in the peripheral device, and a guarantee mode of processing the joblater in case the job cannot be processed completely.
 46. An apparatusaccording to claim 44, wherein the mode designatable as the process modeincludes at least one of a mode of processing jobs in the order ofassignment thereof and storing the job in the peripheral device, a modeof processing an interrupting job instead of other jobs and storing thejob in the peripheral device, and a mode of processing jobs in the orderof assignment thereof and processing the job later in case the jobcannot be processed completely.
 47. An apparatus according to claim 44,wherein said display control means displays, in response to theselection of a mode involving the storage of the job in the peripheraldevice, an image for causing selection of plural storage areas in theperipheral device, on the display unit.
 48. An apparatus according toclaim 44, wherein the mode designatable as the process mode includes adeletion mode of deleting the job after the lapse of a predeterminedtime from the job assignment.
 49. A program for controlling aninformation processing apparatus for generating a job and issuing thegenerated job to a peripheral device, said program comprising the stepsof: acquiring, from the peripheral device, information indicating a modedesignatable in the job, as a process mode of the peripheral device forprocessing the job; displaying, based on the acquired information, animage for selecting the mode designatable as said process mode on adisplay unit of the information processing apparatus; and transmitting,to the peripheral device, a command for assigning the job anddesignating a mode selected among the modes displayed on the displayunit.